Once a hub of industry, Farningham Mill stands peacefully by the River Darent. Farningham Mill is a testament to the village’s rich history. Today, we see it transformed into modern apartments. But imagine the clatter of millstones and the scent of freshly ground flour that once filled the air. The Domesday Book, compiled in 1087, mentions a water mill in the Manor of “Femingehame”. This suggests a long history of milling on this very spot. In the 17th century, Anthony Roper owned a mill here. Later, the Colyers, prominent landowners, built a new mill in the 18th century. This “expensive mechanical construction” replaced Roper’s older mill. The tranquil mill leat, a channel of water that once powered the mill wheel, still flows beside the building. It’s a reminder of Farningham Mill’s industrious past and its peaceful transition to a new era.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service